Happy Holdsworth enjoys Sonny day

Aldershot Town manager Dean Holdsworth was a happy man after seeing his side end a run of seven straight defeats with a 2-1 win over Southend United at Roots Hall.

A late header from Sonny Bradley secured all three points for the struggling Shots at Roots Hall, and Holdsworth was full of praise for his team's performance.

"We showed real character and those three points mean everything to the players, staff and directors," said Holdsworth. "Over the last few games we have faced a lot of criticism and we have stood up and been men tonight.

"I thought we were fantastic and what we did out there was the best way to answer that criticism. Not many people outside the dressing room except from the directors expected much this evening and this is now a starting point for us for the rest of the season.

"I was on the pitch beforehand with the players getting them ready for the game and I needed to show them that I am with them and that they can trust me. We had a lot of chances to finish the game off and Jamie Young saved us before we got the winner with an excellent penalty stop."

Southend manager Paul Sturrock a frustrated figure at the final whistle.

"The difference between the two teams was the attitude of the players and that really disappoints me," said Sturrock. "Too many of our players had an off night and I'm gutted to have lost the game.

"The early goal meant what we had been working on went out the window and Aldershot could've gone further ahead before we equalised.

"When Mark Phillips scored I thought we might go on and win it and if the penalty had gone in maybe we would've done.

"But unfortunately the keeper saved it and these two defeats we've had since winning so well at Rotherham have been a real kick in the teeth and we need to respond in the right way now."